Where to Stay in Te Anau: 10 BEST Te Anau Hotels in 2025

Looking for the best place to stay in Te Anau? You’ve come to the right guide!

After multiple trips to this peaceful lakeside town, I’ve learned that where you stay can completely shape your experience. Maybe you want to be close to cafés, shops, and tour pick-up points in the town center—or perhaps you’d rather wake up to mountain views and birdsong just outside of town. The great thing about Te Anau is that both options are packed with charm and scenery.

To help you decide, I’ve broken down the best areas and hotels for every budget, so you can find your perfect base for exploring Fiordland National Park and beyond. Let’s dive in!

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Te Anau

Te Anau is a rather tiny town. It’s so small that visitors coming to town only have two areas to stay in: right in the town center or on the outskirts of town. 

Right in the town center is the perfect choice if you want to stay closer to the amenities, especially when you don’t have your own car to get around. Meanwhile, the outskirts are the ideal area if you’re into nature and want to get better views of the lake and the mountains. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best hotels in these areas:

• Te Anau Town – Peaceful and full of character, Te Anau Town sits on the edge of Lake Te Anau with plenty of cafés, shops, and easy access to Fiordland National Park. Tasman Holiday Parks is my top pick here—just a short walk from the lake, with cozy chalets, a hot tub, and free bike hire.

• Outside Te Anau – For a quiet escape surrounded by nature, stay just outside town where you’ll wake to mountain and lake views. Kepler Oaks is my favorite place to stay outside of Te Anau, with its serene 13-acre property featuring farm animals, a spa pool, and charming self-contained chalets.

Where to Stay in Te Anau, New Zealand

Te Anau Town 

Te Anau is a pretty small town that sits right on the edge of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, and offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of amenities despite its remote location.

It’s the vibrant gateway to Fiordland National Park and one of the best bases for exploring New Zealand’s South Island wilderness. For insider tips on hikes, viewpoints, and can’t-miss experiences throughout the park, have a read of my guide to the epic things to do in Fiordland National Park here.

You’ll find everything you need here—from grocery stores and outdoor gear shops to cozy cafés, local pubs, and souvenir stores lining the main street. The restaurants in Te Anau are surprisingly diverse for such a small town, offering everything from casual bakeries and pizza spots to upscale eateries serving locally sourced lamb and fresh-caught fish.

Since Te Anau is the starting point for adventures to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, accommodation options are plentiful. There’s a mix of high-end lodges, charming B&Bs, motels, and lakeside holiday parks to suit all budgets. If you’re planning to drive to Milford Sound, don’t miss my blog about the best stops on the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound here—it’s packed with scenic viewpoints and must-see detours along the way.

To really make the most of your stay, try to book somewhere close to the waterfront—that’s where you’ll find the best lake and mountain views. Peaceful, compact, and full of character, Te Anau is the perfect place to unwind before or after your Fiordland adventure.

Pros 

• Plenty of lodging options
• Dining places everywhere
• Very family-friendly, with numerous things for kids to do

Cons

• Not many super luxurious places
• Not as quiet or surrounded by nature
• Only some hotels offer lake views

$$$ – Radfords on the Lake – Most Luxurious Hotel

A lakefront retreat that’s just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, the five-star Radfords on the Lake is one of the best hotels in Te Anau for a luxurious vacation. The on-site facilities here aren’t really much, as you only have e-bike storage, boat parking, and laundry facilities, but the rooms are nothing short of lavish!

As soon as you wake up in your spacious apartment, you’ll be greeted with a magnificent view of Lake Te Anau and the mountains of Fiordland National Park. All of the units are also tastefully furnished with all the conveniences to make your stay pleasant. There’s a kitchenette with plunger coffee and hot chocolate, Sky TV, and free Wi-Fi. 

Each stay includes complimentary mountain bikes, perfect for riding into town or enjoying a scenic trip along the lake. Radfords on the Lake offers four room configurations: Studio, 1-Bedroom Superior Suite, 1-Bedroom Wheelchair Accessible Suite, and 2-Bedroom Apartment. Nightly rates start at $689 NZD (in peak season). 

$$ – Tasman Holiday Parks – Mid-range Lakefront Hotel

Tasman Holiday Parks is a quick walk away from the pristine Lake Te Anau and about a five-minute stroll to the town center. It’s a small, locally owned property, but despite its size, it has several amenities on-site to cater to your needs. 

There’s an outdoor dining and picnic area in the garden, complete with a gas BBQ that’s free to use. You can also find a hot tub, sauna, and coin laundry here, too. If you’re planning to go exploring, receptionists can help you book the best Milford Sound tours and activities in the area and will happily recommend the best sights to see in Te Anau. Speaking of which, they have complimentary bike hire, in case you’re up for a quick ride to the town center. 

Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family, the park has a room for you. Pick from chalets, studios, and self-contained apartments. The chalets and studios will have shared access to the bathroom facilities building. A night’s stay at Tasman costs between $65 NZD and $380 NZD.

$$ – Alpine View Motel – Affordable Rooms and Apartments

On a budget but still want to stay somewhere nice? Alpine View Motel is easily one of the best choices. Sitting just a hundred meters away from the lakeshore, the property is a decent stay for guests who do not want to overspend while in town. You can find several amenities here for your convenience, including car and boat parking, a covered BBQ area, and a huge lawn, where you can enjoy some outdoor activities.

If you’re bringing kids, I’m sure they’ll enjoy the castle adventure playground right on the property.  There isn’t a single room type in Alpine View, so finding what fits your budget is a piece of cake. You can book something as small as a studio room to as large as a three-bedroom unit.

Unlike other motels, the accommodations in Alpine View are actually very homey and complete with kitchen facilities, TV (with Netflix and Disney+!), and Wi-Fi. Staying a night at Alpine View costs as low as $122 NZD.

Related Read: Since you’ll likely be headed to Milford Sound, read my honest review on whether Milford Sound is worth it!

$ – Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels – Cheap Camping and Cabins

For budget-friendly camping and cabins, Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels is one of my go-to Te Anau hotels. This family-owned holiday park is just ten minutes on foot from the town center and puts you close to Fiordland National Park Visitors Center, Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, and Steamers Beach. 

Despite its budget-friendly rates, this holiday park has everything you need right on-site — from the Muncheese café and a communal kitchen to a TV lounge, jacuzzi, laundry facilities, and a playground. Accommodation options range from deluxe motels and ensuite rooms to budget cabins and backpacker units, many featuring kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, TVs, and outdoor patios with lovely views.

There are also camping sites on the property for your motorhomes or caravans. Just pick between the powered and non-powered areas. Feel free to pitch your tent here, too. The rates at this holiday park start at $66 NZD for the non-powered camping site, $72 NZD for the powered ones, $99 NZD for a bed in the dorm, and $109 NZD for the cabins.

$ – Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers – Best Hostel

If you’re still deciding where to stay in Te Anau, but have a limited budget to spare. Don’t worry, Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers has you covered. Sitting on the lakefront and just a five-minute stroll to shops, this hostel will let you enjoy the town without having to shell out too much.

Although the accommodations are cheap, the property has all the amenities you would need for a pleasant stay. There is an indoor and outdoor kitchen facility on-site in case you prefer cooking your meals. Stop by the travel desk for activity ideas, relax in the garden watching native birds, or unwind in the cozy movie room.

Lakefront Backpackers has a great range of options, from private double or triple rooms with en-suites to shared dorms and cozy standalone cabins. The glamping tents tucked among the garden trees are a fantastic way to enjoy nature without the hassle of bringing gear, though you can also pitch your own tent on-site.

The tent site costs $37 NZD per night, a bed in the dorm rooms starts at $42 NZD, and the private rooms with the lake view cost $156 NZD.

Related Read: While you’re here, read my review of the glow worm caves tour in Te Anau to see if you should take it too!

Outside of Te Anau

If you prefer waking up to uninterrupted views of the mountains or Lake Te Anau instead of hearing the buzz of town life, staying outside of Te Anau is the way to go. The countryside and lakeside settings here feel peaceful and secluded, offering that true “escape into nature” experience without being too far removed from civilization. It’s the kind of place where mornings start with birdsong and mist rising off the water rather than traffic or chatter.

Many of the properties outside town lean toward the luxurious side, featuring elegant lodges, boutique retreats, and cozy cabins that maximize the scenery with large windows and private decks. You’ll find options scattered along the lake and into the foothills of Fiordland National Park—ideal for travelers who want space, privacy, and a sense of serenity.

Of course, the trade-off is convenience. You won’t be able to walk to restaurants or shops, as most accommodations are about a 10–15 minute drive from the town center. But for nature lovers or couples seeking a romantic getaway, this is part of the charm. Staying outside Te Anau means ending your day surrounded by pure stillness, under a sky blanketed with stars.

Pros

• Peaceful
• Charming hotels
• Unparalleled views
• Closer to nature and national parks

Cons

• A bit of a drive from the town
• No restaurants within walking distance
• Most hotels are more expensive

$$$ – Fiordland Lakes Lodge – Most Luxurious Hotel in Te Anau

An oasis of luxury in one of the most scenic spots in New Zealand, Fiordland Lakes Lodge is undeniably worth every penny. This world-class lodge can be found just seven minutes by car from Te Anau, but it feels like a world away.

The lodge exudes luxury from every angle, with natural timber and river stone design that instantly captivates. Inside, the airy open layout features high ceilings, full-trunk pillars, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand river stone fireplace at its heart—both cozy and elegant.

Fiordland Lakes Lodge pampers guests with premium amenities and adventure packages for effortless exploring. After a day outdoors, unwind in one of the two outdoor hot tubs, surrounded by panoramic views of the mountains and the lake. Dining here is just as memorable—the lodge’s restaurant, the only one overlooking Lake Te Anau, serves fresh local produce and fine wines from its own cellars.

Lakes Lodge stands out for its exclusivity, hosting just 27 guests across ten rooms for a peaceful retreat. Each features natural tones, king beds, and mountain views, while the two loft log cabins offer the ultimate secluded escape. You can book the Lodge Rooms for $1,055 NZD per night and the Log Cabins for 4 people for $1,555 NZD per night.

$$ – High Leys Lodge – Hotel with the Best Views

Looking for somewhere to stay for your honeymoon? The adults-only High Leys Lodge can give you exactly that and more. It’s just a five-minute drive from Te Anau, yet it feels a world away. Set on five acres of lush gardens overlooking Lake Te Anau and Fiordland National Park, it offers peaceful mornings surrounded by nature.

Guests can unwind in the lounge or dining area, where warm hospitality shines through daily gourmet à la carte breakfasts, evening wine and cheese platters, and homemade sweets. Plus, the large terrace and courtyard make it easy to soak in the scenery without ever leaving the property.

With only three double rooms, each room features a TV, Wi-Fi, private bathroom, and cozy living area. For the best experience, book the Luxmore King Room—the largest option with sweeping lake views and a private furnished deck for those perfect Te Anau sunsets. The cheapest room is Takatimu at $266 NZD per night, while the two other rooms start at $375 NZD.

$$ – Kepler Oaks Chalet – Best Chalets for Couples

Kepler Oaks is one of the best hotels in Te Anau for couples as well as families. Nestled right on the edge of the Fiordland National Park and a five-minute car ride from the town, this accommodation provider is a nature lover’s haven. It’s on a 13-acre land with plenty of farm animals (especially horses) roaming around.

Kepler Oaks may be more modest than other Te Anau stays, but it’s well-equipped with modern comforts. Guests can relax in the spa pool by the main homestead or enjoy self-contained chalets featuring full kitchen facilities, a washing machine, TV, free Wi-Fi, and private porches with stunning day and night views.

If you’re up for a quick nature tour, you can avail Kepler Oaks’ horse rides along the river and the lake. They also offer horse riding lessons, but if you prefer a more laid-back experience, they have a farm tour, where you can go around the property to see the farm animals and maybe feed the lambs. 

If you’re visiting the town with family and friends, the Waiau and Luxmore Chalets are great options since they sleep five and six people max, respectively. For couples, the Takitimu Chalet is highly recommended. Chalet rates range from $250 NZD to $390 NZD.

$$ – Fiordland Eco Retreat – Best Holiday Home for Families or Groups

Have trouble deciding where to stay in Te Anau with a large group? Look no further than Fiordland Eco-Retreat, a luxury three-bedroom exclusive retreat located close to the national park and a mere six-minute drive from Te Anau. 

It’s one of the best holiday homes in the area for families. But in addition to accommodating large groups, what really had me sold is the picturesque, unobstructed 260° views of the panoramic Fiordland mountains you can see from every room on the property! Whether you’re in the kitchenette, the bedrooms, or the bathroom, you can take in this gorgeous vista anytime. 

The holiday home itself is pretty stylish and modern. The kitchenette is complete with a mini convection oven, fridge, coffee machine, and an adjacent outdoor BBQ. You even have a charming outdoor dining area right outside the kitchenette, so you can dine while enjoying the view. For the main bathroom, you’ll find a luxurious bathtub with a double-wash basin. 

For the rooms, you have two main bedrooms (Master and Queen) plus a single bedroom. Plus, each one has an eco-friendly design, ranch-style sliding doors, and private decks, where you can go stargazing. A two-night stay here costs about $1,044 NZD to $1,344 NZD, which is pretty reasonable for three rooms.

$ – Barnyard Backpackers Te Anau – Best Budget Hostel

Barnyard Backpackers is easily one of the best hotels in Te Anau for budget-conscious travelers. While you do need your own transport to get here since it is a bit of a drive from the town itself (about 10 minutes), believe me, it’s well worth the hassle.

Set on a 50-acre deer farm, this hostel offers sweeping 360-degree views of Fiordland’s mountains and sunsets. Guests can also meet friendly farm animals like horses, sheep, and dogs—making the stay as charming as the scenery. The main building, designed like a rustic barn and hand-built by the owner, serves as the heart of the property. Inside, guests can relax by the open fire, play pool, cook in the shared kitchen, or visit the reception to book local tours. 

The rooms sit just down the hill from the main building and feature cozy log cabin-inspired interiors with heating, a TV, a private bathroom, and a tea kettle. There are no bunks, keeping spaces airy and comfortable—simple rooms made special by their peaceful, scenic setting. 

From your bedroom window, you can gaze out over the Fiordland River, across Rainbow Downs, and all the way to Lake Manapouri—a view that easily ranks among the most unforgettable in Te Anau. A dorm room bed here costs $30 NZD per night, while the private rooms start at $110 NZD per night.

Top Activities to do in Te Anau

Now that you know where to stay in Te Anau, it’s time to plan what to do while you’re here! Surrounded by Fiordland National Park, this lakeside town is full of incredible experiences—from glowworm cave tours and jet boat adventures to scenic cruises and world-famous hikes. Below are some of the best things to do in Te Anau to make the most of your visit.

• Visit glowworm caves – Te Anau is one of the best places in New Zealand to see glowworms, and this guided cave tour lets you experience them up close. You’ll walk through narrow limestone passages before gliding through the darkness on a small boat, surrounded by hundreds of glowing creatures—a true Te Anau must-do!

• Explore Milford Sound – There are so many cruises you can take from Te Anau to explore Milford Sound, but one of the most popular and affordable is the Nature Cruise of Milford Sound. For around $139 NZD, you’ll get transport to Milford followed by a 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound, easily one of the most beautiful places in all of New Zealand. Plus, lunch is provided, too!

• Go jet boating – This tour will have you jetting down the Waiau River at speeds of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour . Your driver kicks things up a notch with thrilling 180-degree spins and sharp turns before cruising across the beautiful Lake Manapouri. Once there, you’ll hop out for a guided walk to explore the area.

• Try the jet boat & biking combo – Can’t decide between a thrill and a scenic ride? Do both! This combo tour takes you speeding down the Waiau River, followed by a relaxed cycle through lush Fiordland landscapes on the Lake2Lake Trail. It’s the perfect balance of adrenaline and adventure!

• Hike Kepler Track – One of the 10 Great Walks in New Zealand, the Kepler Track, is a 60-kilometer (37-mile) long, 3–4-day loop track that follows the shoreline of Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri. You may not have the time or interest to do the full-length version, so you can opt for a shortened guided Heli-hike tour because it involves being transported around by helicopter. It is expensive, but oh, how epic!!!

Related Read: Want even more ideas for your trip? Check out my full guide to the best things to do in Te Anau here for detailed reviews of the top tours, hikes, and experiences you won’t want to miss!

Thanks for reading!

Te Anau really is the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the great outdoors, and with these great hotels in Te Anau, you’ll be sure to have a memorable trip!

I hope this guide on where to stay in Te Anau helps you to plan! If you found this blog useful, be sure to look around at some of my other blogs, including ones about Milford Sound and a couple of related reads below:

Best Milford tours from Te Anau

Queenstown to Milford road trip itinerary

14 Things to KNOW Before Booking an Overnight Cruise in Milford Sound

Day hikes on the Routeburn Track